Defending the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
“Oh nice, you have an iPad 2?!” I’ve heard that a lot recently. No, I don’t have an iPad. iPads are beautifully simple devices, but with a restrictive and offensively elementary OS. I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, and I love it.
Ups
- Clear, bright screen (I never use more then 60% brightness)
- Wide aspect ratio better for browsing / reading
- Impressive battery life (~7-8 hours continuous use)
- Thinnest + lightest 10 inch on market
- Android flexibility and freedom
- Samsung TouchWiz makes useful UI tweaks
Downs
- Limited # of tablet ready android apps
- No SD card slot for expandable memory
- No HDMI port for easy TV hookup
- Frequently mistaken for iPad
As you can see, the 10.1 has a some compelling features, but nothing in particular that distinguishes it over the iPad. The price points are about identical, so why not buy the more popular iPad? Personally, it came down to two two things: the iPad’s ultra-basic UI is boring, and it’s content restrictions are frustrating, insulting even.
Honeycomb supports widgets, making for more dynamic, useful home screens. Moreover, it’s task switcher is more visual and intuitive. Combine that with the brilliant screen and more intelligent 16:9 aspect ratio, and it makes for a more visually appealing experience (IMHO).
Regarding content restrictions, if one wants to move an AVI encoded movie onto the iPad, one has no choice but to go through iTunes, which may take hours as it converts the video. Unacceptable. And typical of Apple. My thinking is that it’s my device, and if I want to use it as a $500 flash drive, then that’s my damn right!!
So why the Tab 10.1 over cheaper Asus or Toshiba alternatives? The 10.1 is the only android tablet that realistically offers Apple quality hardware. Simply put, it’s more or less an iPad running android. And that’s great.
